The Effects of Dietary Fiber Supplements and Fiber Enriched Foods are Unknown

Fiber fibs

For some reason, in this country, we've adapted the misconception that "fiber is good for you and prevents colon cancer." The truth is that the effects of dietary fiber supplements and fiber-enriched foods are unknown, and potentially very dangerous.

I've often compared it to iron-enriched foods:  Iron supplementation is good for some anemia sufferers. So what do manufacturers do? Put it in food for everyone! A big mistake.

All this does is increase the risk of arteriosclerosis, infection, and cancer. While the dangers of fiber aren't as clear as those associated with iron, is it really a risk you want to take?

Besides, adding fiber to foods with refined carbohydrates and artery clogging vegetable fats isn't going to make these already unhealthy foods any less bad for you.

Avoid foods and supplements that have added fiber. Instead, get your fiber the best way possible, by eating plenty of meat.

Ironing out the misconceptions,
William Campbell Douglass II, MD